The Carolina Hurricanes (23-13-2) welcome the Pittsburgh Penguins (17-17-6) to Lenovo Center on Sunday evening in what promises to be a compelling Metropolitan Division matchup with significant playoff implications.

The Hurricanes enter the contest riding their strong offensive performance, averaging 3.45 goals per game, while the Penguins look to bounce back from recent defensive struggles that have seen them allow seven goals in their last two outings.

Carolina's dynamic duo of Sebastian Aho and Martin Necas, who have combined for impressive offensive numbers this season, will face off against Pittsburgh's veteran core led by Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin.

Both teams have shown flashes of brilliance this season, with the Hurricanes demonstrating particular strength on home ice where they've won seven of their last eight divisional matchups.

The goaltending battle could prove decisive, as Hurricanes' netminder Dustin Tokarski has impressed in his recent starts, while the Penguins' Tristan Jarry seeks to improve upon his .886 save percentage.

This Metropolitan Division showdown features two teams with contrasting styles and recent trajectories, setting the stage for what could be one of the most intriguing NHL matchups of the weekend.

Carolina Hurricanes vs. Pittsburgh Penguins: who will win?

For tonight's Carolina Hurricanes vs Pittsburgh Penguins matchup, our predictive model gives the Hurricanes a 53.75% chance of defeating the Penguins.

Carolina Hurricanes: 53.75% win probability

  • Superior defensive performance (111 goals against vs Penguins' 148)
  • Better overall record (23 wins vs 17 wins in similar games played)
  • Higher points total (48 points vs 40 points)

Pittsburgh Penguins: 46.25% win probability

  • Poor defensive record (148 goals against, among worst in conference)
  • Inconsistent recent form (LLWLW showing volatility)
  • Lower win percentage (17 wins in 40 games vs Hurricanes' 23 in 39)

At Sporting Post, our unique prediction model combines insights from top NHL experts. Instead of sifting through hundreds of expert analyses across the web, you can rely on our predictions to understand the market's overall sentiment. We scan trusted sources, analyzing predictions, data, and opinions, and our AI assigns a confidence level to each prediction. We then average these levels to produce an 'expert opinion' win probability—reflecting the collective intelligence of the industry's leading NHL experts.

Carolina Hurricanes vs. Pittsburgh Penguins odds

Carolina HurricanesPittsburgh Penguins
moneyline-218 (via DraftKings Sportsbook)+185 (via Caesars Sportsbook)

Key stats

  • 1
    The Carolina Hurricanes have won 23 out of 39 matches this season.
  • 2
    The Pittsburgh Penguins have won 17 out of 40 matches this season.
  • 3
    With 48 points, the Carolina Hurricanes holds the 5th position in the league standings.
  • 4
    Pittsburgh Penguins's 40 points place them 9th in the rankings.

Carolina Hurricanes vs. Pittsburgh Penguins form

Carolina Hurricanes
Carolina Hurricanes
Latest matches
L
W
L
W
L
Victories
2/5 (40%)
Defeats
3/5 (60%)
Jan 5, 2025
Minnesota Wild4:0Carolina Hurricanes
Jan 3, 2025
Florida Panthers1:3Carolina Hurricanes
Jan 1, 2025
Columbus Blue Jackets4:3Carolina Hurricanes
Dec 29, 2024
New Jersey Devils2:5Carolina Hurricanes
Dec 28, 2024
New Jersey Devils4:2Carolina Hurricanes
Pittsburgh Penguins
Pittsburgh Penguins
Latest matches
L
L
W
L
W
Victories
2/5 (40%)
Defeats
3/5 (60%)
Jan 4, 2025
Florida Panthers3:2Pittsburgh Penguins
Jan 1, 2025
Detroit Red Wings4:2Pittsburgh Penguins
Dec 29, 2024
New York Islanders2:3Pittsburgh Penguins
Dec 29, 2024
New York Islanders6:3Pittsburgh Penguins
Dec 24, 2024
Philadelphia Flyers3:7Pittsburgh Penguins

Carolina Hurricanes vs. Pittsburgh Penguins head to head

Carolina Hurricanes

67%

Pittsburgh Penguins

33%

Nov 8, 2024

Carolina Hurricanes

5 : 1

Pittsburgh Penguins

Oct 18, 2024

Pittsburgh Penguins

1 : 4

Carolina Hurricanes

Mar 26, 2024

Pittsburgh Penguins

4 : 1

Carolina Hurricanes

Jan 14, 2024

Carolina Hurricanes

3 : 2

Pittsburgh Penguins

Dec 22, 2023

Pittsburgh Penguins

2 : 1

Carolina Hurricanes

Nov 19, 2023

Carolina Hurricanes

4 : 2

Pittsburgh Penguins